Portuguese Phrase
Você está lendo um livro?
Meaning
The sentence asks whether the listener is currently reading a book. It uses the present progressive to focus on an action that is in progress at the moment of speaking.
When to use
Use this question in casual or semi‑formal conversation when you want to check what someone is doing, for example in a coffee shop, a classroom, or while chatting online.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vocêestálendoumlivro?
Você (pronoun)
Second‑person singular pronoun used in most of Brazil; replaces the more formal 'tu' in many regions.
Estar + gerúndio
The present progressive in Portuguese is formed with the verb 'estar' + gerund (e.g., 'está lendo') to express an action happening right now.
Gerúndio de 'ler'
The gerund of 'ler' is 'lendo'; it does not change according to gender or number.
Indefinite article 'um'
Used before masculine singular nouns; 'um' = 'a/an' in English.
Interrogative intonation
In spoken Portuguese, a rising intonation at the end signals a yes/no question; the written '?' marks it.
🗨In Conversation
Você está lendo um livro?
Are you reading a book?
Sim, estou lendo 'Dom Quixote'.
Yes, I’m reading 'Don Quixote'.
✕Common Mistakes
Você é lendo um livro?
Use 'está' (temporary state) not 'é' (permanent characteristic) for ongoing actions.
Você está lê um livro?
The simple present 'lê' describes a habit, not an action happening now.
Você está lendo livro?
Dropping the article changes the meaning; Portuguese requires the article before singular count nouns.
↔Alternatives
Tá lendo um livro?
Are you reading a book? (colloquial)
Você está lendo algum livro?
Are you reading any book?
Você está lendo um livro agora?
Are you reading a book right now?
Cultural Tip
In most of Brazil, 'você' is the default way to address someone you’re not intimately close with; using 'tu' is regional (e.g., in Rio Grande do Sul). The contraction 'tá' is very common in informal speech, but avoid it in formal writing or when speaking to elders. Also, Brazilians often ask about reading habits as a polite way to start a conversation about culture or education.